If you have been wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to raised access flooring or have been considering having it installed in your office or retail space, then you will no doubt have plenty of questions that you want answers to. To help, we have put together a quick but comprehensive guide on the main things that you need to know before deciding whether to have raised access floors installed in your place of business.
Where is it used?
Raised access flooring has a variety of uses. The main ones include:
- Hot or cold aisle containment for IT server rooms
- Offices, for HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) distribution and/or electrical and communications cabling
- Retail spaces, either for HVAC distribution or for additional storage space
- Outdoor terrace areas
What benefits does it add?
By creating a void – or space – below the floor it allows for cabling and other distribution systems to be placed out of view and provide an even delivery of services across a wide area. The way it is designed also enables easy access without too much disruption to day-to-day working.
Are there different types?
Yes, there are two types of raised flooring available:
- Gravity, also known as loose-lay flooring. This type is not soldered or screwed into place enabling quick and easy access to the void below and works by resting floor panels on special pedestals.
- Lock-down, also known as screw-down, flooring. This type is fixed in place by screws or by soldering. It is more robust than gravity flooring but does not allow for the same ease of access.
Each type has its merits and the most appropriate one for your business will depend on a variety of factors. These will be explored and discussed during the design process to help you determine which one is right for you.
What finishes are available?
You can have any finish you like on your raised flooring. When designing it you will be asked about how it is to be used, how heavily trafficked it is likely to be, what level of underfloor access you are likely to require and what your style and design will be for the space. From there, we can advise on the most suitable flooring material which can include, vinyl plank, laminate, and carpet tiles, amongst many other choices.
How much maintenance is required?
Not a huge amount and nothing that is too out of the ordinary when compared to standard, non-raised flooring. Check out our previous article on maintenance for full details so that you know what to expect. On a day-to-day basis it needs nothing more than a good clean, as with any other type of flooring.
Want to know more about raised access flooring and how it may work in your business too? All you need to do is get in touch with our team of experts at Fieldmans Access Floors and ask! Give us a call on 020 8462 7100 with any questions or book in an appointment for a more detailed discussion.
